Overview
- A U.S.–Iran memorandum signed in mid‑June formally reopened the Strait of Hormuz, yet the deal has left passage fragile because key rules remain unresolved.
- Iran says it will keep operational control of the strait and is designing a tolls system that Tehran’s ambassador to China says will grant preferential treatment to friendly states including China.
- Maritime tracking data show recent disruption: eight ships approached Hormuz and turned back, with at least four later rerouting closer to Iran, illustrating how captains and companies are weighing safety, radio orders and insurance costs.
- Western governments have responded with security steps: the UK and France said Oman will cooperate with them to protect traffic, the U.S. continues to back the corridor near Oman's coast, and Iran has named Admiral Alí Ozmaei as the new IRGC Navy commander.
- Gulf states are accelerating plans for pipelines and westward export routes to reduce dependence on Hormuz, a move that could reshape regional energy flows if the memorandum’s verification window expires unresolved in mid‑August.